Every Canadian house has a story about hard water that is a problem for Canadian people. It may cause a lot of issues that can affect your health as well as your budget. It may cause scale buildup in water pipes, in home appliances, dry skin, and frizzy hair, etc.Â
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Not all of Canada, but some of the regions are highly affected by the hard water. These include Ontario, Toronto, Cambridge, and Waterloo, etc., because these areas use municipal water coming from the lakes, water having high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium.
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To combat the problem of Hard Water, you need to install a water softener. OAKS Wellness Water offers two types of Water Softener:
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- Whole House Water Softener System
- Under Sink Water Softener System
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OAKS offers very budget-friendly systems. The total cost includes unit cost and installation expenses. After installation, you need to expend some money for regular maintenance of the system and the filters used in it.
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What Is the Average Water Softener Cost in Canada?Â
When it comes to installing the water softener system in your home, the first thought that comes to your mind is which system do you need and the cost of the system.Â
The cost of the water softener system typically falls between hundreds and several thousand dollars.Â
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Normally, the whole-house water softener costs $3000-$5000, whereas an under-sink water softener system costs $1000-$2000.Â
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The price range of the system depends on some factors:
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Home size
The larger home size needs a larger system that may cost more than a smaller one.
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Water Usage
If your water consumption is more than the normal range, you would need a bigger system that will obviously cost more.
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It also depends on for what purpose you need soft water, i.e., just for drinking and cooking purposes or for the whole house.
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System type
The system’s price range highly depends upon the system type, i.e., whether you need only a water softener or a combination of water softener and water filtration system.
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Installation Complexity
The installation price depends on the complexity of your system and household plumbing structure. The complex system would be highly costly.Â
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Certifications
The certified systems cost as much as uncertified systems, but the cheaper systems cost high for the long term as they have no warranty.
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Water Softener Cost Breakdown: What Are You Paying For?Â
The cost of a water softener system does not mean the cost of the unit; it includes:
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Unit Cost
It is the cost you need to pay at the time of installation of the system, and it is just a one time price you have to pay for 10-15 years.
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Installation Cost
It is the cost you need to pay for the installation process.
- If the system is a simpler one, you may install it by yourself by following the guidelines.
- If the system is a complex one, you need to hire a professional for installation.
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Maintenance Cost
You need to pay for the maintenance of the system after a specific time, usually after every 6-12 months, for changing the filter stages in the system.
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Find your perfect system.
Your local Oaks experts will provide personalized recommendations for the right solution for your home.
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Whole House Water Softener Cost in CanadaÂ
Whole House Water Softener is a softener system that is installed at the point-of-entry and provides you with soft water in every tap. If you want to use soft water for all the households, i.e., for drinking and cooking purposes and even for cleaning purposes to protect skin, hair and your appliances, you need to install a whole house water softener so you may get soft water everywhere.Â
The cost of a Whole House Water Softener includes the price of the system, installation cost and the maintenance cost after a specific time.
The basic unit cost is about $3000-$5000.
Under Sink Water Softener System Cost
An under-sink water softener system is a system installed in the kitchen that provides water just for drinking and cooking purposes through only one tap.
The basic Under Sink Water Softener System costs around $1000-$2000.
The cost structure of the system includes unit cost and softener components used in the system. Besides this, it also consists of the maintenance cost you require to pay every 6-12 months.
The under-sink system not only softens the hard water but also improves the drinking quality of water. The cost also depends upon the factor that you want to soften the water or also want to filter the water by removing all types of contaminants, TDs and microplastics from the available water.Â
You need to select the system according to your needs and the required water quality and taste.
Additional Costs to Consider beyond the Purchase PriceÂ
Besides unit cost and installation cost, you need to consider some additional costs before installing the water softener system in your home:
Water testing cost
You need to test your water before choosing the best system for your home. Water testing could be done by using some DIY methods, but for better results, you need to have this test done by a professional in a laboratory.Â
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DIY water test strips cost almost $25-$30 in Canada, whereas a comprehensive laboratory water test costs $100+.Â
Filter & membrane replacements cost
The filters and softener membranes used in water softener systems need to be changed after a specific time, which can disturb your budget every 6-12 months.
Annual servicing cost
Your system may need annual servicing for a better experience and your safety. It may include water testing, performance check and minor adjustments.Â
How Water Hardness & Household Size Affect CostÂ
The available water quality, family size and water consumption highly affect the system’s costs.
A higher harness requires a modified, larger system that costs more than a basic unit.
The bigger the family, the more water is consumed everyday and you require a larger system to be installed to meet your daily household needs.
It is recommended to contact OAKS professional for installing the best water softener system according to your needs.
Find your perfect system.
Your local Oaks experts will provide personalized recommendations for the right solution for your home.
Is a Water Softener Worth the Cost in Canada?Â
A water softener system is worth the cost in Canada, as most of the water available in Canadian cities is hard water. It is hard as it comes from the lakes that are rich in calcium and magnesium, and the underground water also has dissolved minerals in it.
If you do not install a water softener system, it will destroy your home appliances, faucets, skin and hair. You need to pay for repairing, more soap and shampoo and for the treatment of health problems caused by hard water.
So, it is your need to install water softener systems in your homes to increase the appliance life span, reduce plumbing repairs, for better skin and hair and for better health.
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Choosing Between an Under-Sink Softener System and a Whole-House Softener System
The system’s selection highly depends on your choice.
- If you want to soften the water just for drinking and cooking purposes, choose the OAKS Under Sink Softener system.
- If you want soft water not just to protect yourself but also your home appliances, faucets, and tiles, you need it everywhere in your home. For this purpose, you need to install the OAKS Whole House Softener System.Â
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How to Reduce Water Softener Costs without Compromising QualityÂ
You may reduce water softener costs without compromising the water quality by following the guidelines:
- Select the best system size according to your household consumption.
- Choose bundled installation and testing to reduce the labor and setup costs.Â
- Invest in preventative maintenance that could be felt costly, but it cuts down your long-term damage.Â
- Avoid installing cheaper systems without any certification.
- Hire an OAKS professional for the installation process and avoid DIY installs without experience.Â
Conclusion
In Canada, the water softener system unit costs almost $1000-$4000 depending upon the system type.Â
The total cost includes water testing cost, unit cost, installation expenses and maintenance cost. The cost of a softener system is highly dependent upon the household size, available water quality and the water quality you need.
You need to consider all the factors before choosing any system.Â
It is recommended to contact OAKS Wellness Water for professional assistance to install the best system according to your needs and budget, with a 20+ year warranty.Â
Find your perfect system.
Your local Oaks experts will provide personalized recommendations for the right solution for your home.
FAQs
How much does a water softener cost in Canada?
In Canada, the basic water softener system unit costs around $1000-$5000, depending on the system type.
How much does water softener maintenance cost annually?
The maintenance cost depends on the system type. It is usually about $200-$500.
Does a water softener increase water bills?
Yes, water softener systems increase the water bills slightly due to water wastage and the regeneration cycle.
Can I install a water softener myself?
Yes, if you are an experienced person to install such systems, you may install it by following the installation guidelines given with the system.
Will softened water affect my plumbing or appliances?
Yes, softened water will reduce scale buildup in your water pipes and appliances and increase the lifespan of appliances.
Written by Joseph Mroueh
Joseph, founder of Oaks, develops high-quality whole-home and drinking-water filtration systems. He focuses on delivering reliable, clean, and safe water solutions for modern households.
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